The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is seeking feedback on a system, designed to provide Coloradans with a centralized place to share their concerns about environmental pollution.
The complaint system will be available in English and Spanish, but complaints can be submitted in any language. The department’s environmental justice ombudsman oversees the system and focuses on concerns raised by individuals living in communities that carry a heavier burden of pollution. Community members can express their concerns about air and water pollution, illegal dumping, and a wide variety of other environmental and public health issues. Individuals can fill out an online form, or email, mail, or call the ombudsman at 303-549-9988 to voice their concerns.
“We want to hear from Coloradans about their pollution concerns, and we recognize it can sometimes be difficult to know who to contact when those arise,” said Marcus Howell, CDPHE’s environmental justice ombudsman. “I am excited to hear from the community on how we can improve this system to serve them.”
The ombudsperson is independent. Because the ombudsperson receives information about a wide variety of issues, it will help identify community patterns and facilitate systemic solutions. The ombudsperson works with the appropriate environmental and technical staff at CDPHE to find possible solutions.
This is the first prototype of the complaint system. CDPHE is in the process of soliciting public comment on the system through March 24, 2023. Comments can be emailed to cdphe_ej@state.co.us. The system will be fully launched l in mid-April after incorporating feedback from the public and the Environmental Justice Advisory Board.
Visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ej-complaints for more information on this new program or how to submit a complaint.
